Resumes may be sent to the Civil Service and Personnel Department via email (cspersonnel@ci.hamilton.oh.us) OR fax (513- 785-7037) or USPS. If necessary, an application form may be obtained and completed in person.

With the exception of seasonal positions, employment applications and resumes are only accepted when a position is open and/or posted for recruitment. Unsolicited applications and resumes will not be accepted.

There are a number of advantages to using compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel in motor vehicles, including: • CNG is the cleanest burning fossil fuel available today. • CNG produces lower emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases than gasoline or diesel. • CNG extends the time between required tune-ups and oil changes. • CNG, on average, is historically less than the price of diesel fuel. • CNG is safe - it is the same natural gas used to heat your home. • CNG is plentiful – more than a 100-year supply of natural gas exists in the U.S. alone, including in Ohio, with more reserves continuing to be discovered. • Domestic sources of CNG reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil. • In the event of an accidental spill or release, CNG poses no threat to land or water because it disperses as a gas, unlike gasoline, diesel, or other traditional liquid fuels.

A natural gas vehicle is a car, truck, van or bus that uses compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel its engine. CNG is a gaseous fuel, not a liquid fuel, and so is compressed at 3,000 to 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi) and stored onboard a vehicle in steel, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon-fiber cylinders.

Vehicles equipped to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) currently cost more than the equivalent conventional gasoline and diesel model of the same vehicle. The overall cost of the conversion depends on a variety of factors, including the overall size of the vehicle and the desired tank size. Generally, the conversion cost ranges from approximately $6,500 for light-duty vehicles to $50,000+ for heavy-duty vehicles. In most cases, the increased cost or conversion cost can be recouped over the life of the vehicle, through tax credits and fuel cost savings. There are also a variety of grant programs available that can help cover the incremental cost of CNG vehicles.

On average, compressed natural gas (CNG) has historically cost less than the price of gasoline and diesel. CNG is sold in units called gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE). One (1) GGE has an energy content of 124,800 BTUs, which is the same energy content as one (1) gallon of gasoline.

With fast fill dispensers, like those located at the City of Hamilton’s CNG Fueling Station, there is very little difference between fueling a natural gas vehicle versus a gasoline or diesel vehicle. Compressed natural gas (CNG) dispenses into vehicles in much the same way as gasoline or diesel, taking about three to seven minutes to fill a tank. The fueling station and dispenser also look about the same as a typical fueling station; however, the nozzle and receptacle are designed a bit differently and will only dispense into a CNG tank.

Absolutely! The fuel cylinders that hold the compressed natural gas (CNG) are significantly stronger than gasoline tanks. These cylinders undergo thorough impact and bonfire testing, and meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. Additionally, in the unlikely event of a gas leak, CNG will not form combustible pools on the ground as other fuels do. Because CNG is lighter than air, it will rise and dissipate if released. CNG is the same chemical compound as the natural gas that many homeowners use to cook their meals and heat their homes.

No, the opposite is generally the case. Using compressed natural gas (CNG) as fuel can actually extend the life of an engine. The extended life is due to the cleaner combustion of CNG versus liquid gasoline and diesel fuels, and the fact that no carbon is generated during combustion of CNG. Additionally, the engine components and oil are not subject to the contamination often produced by gasoline or diesel.

Yes, there are light-, medium-, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles available for purchase today. Natural gas vehicles are also available through conversions or system retrofits. Current uses of natural gas vehicles range from taxi fleets and transit and school buses, to refuse haulers and other heavy duty vehicles. Statistics show that there are currently more than 150,000 natural gas vehicles on the road in the United States and more than 15.2 million worldwide.

Natural gas vehicles operate basically in the same fashion as conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. All of these vehicles burn a gaseous mixture of fuel and air in an engine; however, compressed natural gas (CNG) has the advantage of already being a gas, which helps the engine to run cleaner.

A permit is an approval issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to perform work that is regulated by the applicable codes in the State of Ohio. Construction Services is the AHJ for all properties located within the city limits of Hamilton only.

Permits become invalid if work has not started within 12 months of the date that the permit was approved, regardless of the date the permit was issued. In order to confirm that work has started on a project, an inspection must be performed by Construction Services. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate inspections are scheduled for the permitted project.

One extension can be granted for an additional 12 month period if requested in writing by the owner at least 10 days in advance of the expiration of the approval and upon payment of the required extension fees.

If a project is delayed or suspended for more than 6 months after it started and an inspection has been performed by Construction Services, the permit approval becomes invalid. Up to 2 extensions can be granted for 6 months each if requested in writing by the owner at least 10 days in advance of the expiration of the approval and upon payment of the required extension fees. The extension periods begin no later than 6 months after the project started and an inspection was performed by Construction Services.

Permits that do not require a plan review can be issued over the counter when a completed application is submitted and all required fees have been paid.

For permits requiring a plan review, it typically takes around 10 working days from when the application is made, until all departments have completed their review. As soon as all departments have completed their reviews, the applicant is notified of the results. If the permit application and all plans have been approved, then the permit is issued when all required fees have been paid.

Most residential permits require that only 2 copies of drawings and documents be submitted with the permit application form, and most commercial permits typically require anywhere from 4 to 8 copies of all plans and documents. It is always best to call our office before preparing your submission so that we can tell you exactly how many sets will be required.

Projects that require a permit must not be started until after the permit has been issued and the required fees have been paid. When work must be performed in an emergency situation, an application for approval shall be submitted to Construction Services within the next business day. The Building Official will determine whether or not the situation legitimately constituted an emergency. If any work is performed without a permit, and the above emergency stipulations are not met; then work will be required to stop immediately, and penalty fees will be applied.

It is in the owner’s and all occupants’ best interests to make sure that work does not start until after the permit is issued for many reasons. During the course of the plan review process, it may be determined that a project is unable to be permitted, or the plans may be required to change. If this happens and work has already started, then the owner is subjecting himself to higher construction costs and a delayed time of completion.

No! In order to protect the owner, bystanders, demolition personnel, and all adjacent properties; it is extremely important that demolition does not begin until after the required demolition permits have been issued. Starting demolition without a permit is not only a likely way to cause injury, but it will also result in the application of penalty fees.

When demolition must be performed in an emergency situation, then the Hamilton Fire Department must be contacted for approval. They will contact the appropriate representatives of Construction Services and the Utility Departments to make sure that the emergency demolition is safe to proceed. An application for approval must be submitted to Construction Services within the next business day.

The Building Official will determine whether or not the situation legitimately constituted an emergency. If any work is performed without a permit, and the above emergency stipulations are not met; then work will be required to stop immediately, and penalty fees will be applied.

Typically, inspections can take place as early as the business day following the day the inspection was scheduled. It is possible that an inspection may not be scheduled on the next business day, due to unusually high demand or other circumstances limiting an inspector’s schedule. That is why we encourage permit applicants to contact us to schedule the inspection as soon as possible.

A contractor must be registered in the City of Hamilton to obtain a permit and do work for electric, HVAC, gas, plumbing, hydronics (wet heat) or sewer work that is regulated by the adopted codes in the State of Ohio. A Master Registration is required to obtain a permit for this work. In order to obtain a Master Registration, that individual must possess a current Contractor’s License issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) for that trade. For more information, visit the Contractor Registration page.

A Certificate of Occupancy is an approval that is issued by the Building Official that allows a building or structure, in whole or in part, to be used or occupied. The Certificate of Occupancy indicates the conditions under which the building shall be used. The building owner shall only use the structure in compliance with the Certificate of Occupancy and any stated conditions.

A final Certificate of Occupancy is only issued after the final building inspection has been approved, and the permit has been closed. It is usually associated with building permits for new residences, new commercial buildings; or spaces that have had a change in occupancy, alterations, repairs or remodeling.

A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy can be issued in certain situations where only part of the work associated with a building permit has been completed. Whether or not a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy can be issued will be determined by all associated inspectors and the Building Official. Contact the Building Inspector as early in the project as possible to discuss the requirements that will need to be met for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy to be issued.

A change of occupancy, sometimes referred to as a change of use, is a change in the purpose or level of activity within a structure that involves a change in the application of the requirements of the code. In other words, the space or spaces within an existing building are going to be used differently than when they were last approved for occupancy.

All work located in the public right-of-way requires a separate permit, issued through our Public Works Department. This includes work such as sidewalks, curbs, driveway aprons, etc. You can also call them at 513-785-7270. More information is available by visiting the Public Works Department’s page.

There may be 3 or more fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a “simple” incident. In emergency services we have learned that assuming something is “simple” can be a horrible mistake.

There are many fire-ground tasks that must be performed at a structure fire including fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage and back-up lines. All these fire-ground tasks need to be conducted simultaneously. The department responds quickly and we plan to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who requests our help.

This is called “ventilation”. There are 2 basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulates in a burning building. Unlike the TV or movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof or a window broken the heat, smoke, and gases escape. This makes it much easier for the firefighters to find and extinguish the fire. Ventilation also reduces the chance of backdraft and flashover.

The Hamilton Fire Department uses a fully integrated emergency medical delivery system. We utilize dual-role firefighters in the delivery of fire and emergency medical services. All Hamilton firefighters are required to be Certified Emergency Medical Technicians with 67 of the 96 firefighters being Paramedics.

Many times an engine company can arrive on the scene of a medical emergency quicker than a paramedic unit. All Hamilton fire apparatus carry a wide variety of medical equipment including automatic external defibrillators, IV solutions, incubation equipment, oxygen, and other medical supplies. Quick medical intervention is our goal.

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts. They are permitted to go to the store to purchase their food for the day. The entire crew goes because they are always in service to respond to an emergency. If an alarm is dispatched they will respond from the grocery store. The City of Hamilton does not purchase food for on-duty firefighters. The firefighters make the purchase with their own funds.

A list of locations is maintained on the police department's website. Visit the Photo Enforcement Program page to find camera locations with sample documents along with a video animation of how the mobile speed van works. Photo Enforcement Program

Contact our Public Affairs office at 513-868-5811 extension 2007 or through the attached link, or contact the City of Hamilton Department of Civil Service & Personnel at cspersonnel@ci.hamilton.oh.us. Ask a Recruiting Question

The Municipal Arborist will review trees on private property by appointment only. Inquiries should be directed to 513-785-7556 or dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. You can also submit a request using the City of Hamilton’s Online 311 Citizen Request Center at http://hamilton-city.org/RequestTracker.aspx.

The Municipal Arborist will inspect ash trees on private property by appointment only. Inquiries should be directed to 513-785-7556 or dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. You can also submit a request using the City of Hamilton’s Online 311 Citizen Request Center at http://hamilton-city.org/RequestTracker.aspx.

Yes, the City of Hamilton does trim and remove trees located in public rights-of-way, City parks, and green spaces owned by the City if power lines are involved. The City does not trim or remove trees on private property or in the public rights-of-way where no power lines are located.

The Municipal Arborist will review tree limbs on power lines during non-emergency situations. Please call 513-785-7556 or email dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. You can also submit a request using the City of Hamilton’s Online 311 Citizen Request Center at http://hamilton-city.org/RequestTracker.aspx. If you have lost power due to a downed power line or other hazardous situation, or are experiencing flickering lights, voltage problems, smoking or sparking from the power lines, contact the City’s Emergency Utility Service immediately at 513-785-7550 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your safety is important to us. Stay away from all power lines. Assume they are live and dangerous.

You can request an Adopt-A-Tree form from the City of Hamilton Municipal Arborist by calling 513-785-7556 or by emailing dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. Once the form is filled out and returned, the Municipal Arborist will review the species selection and planting site. The permit will be approved or not approved based on the planting site and surrounding public infrastructure.

City Ordinance Chapter 915, Comprehensive Tree and Planting Plan, states that the tree lawn area must have a minimum width of 4 feet to plant a small tree (< 25 feet tall at maturity), a minimum width 6 feet to plant a medium tree (25-40 feet tall at maturity), and a minimum width of 8 feet to plant a large tree (> 40 feet tall at maturity). Additionally, street trees must have a diameter of at least 1.75 inches when planted. The approved list of street tree species is also provided in C.O. Chapter 915.

The City does not trim or remove trees on private property or in the public rights-of-way where no power lines are located. However, the City of Hamilton will train residents on how to prune smaller trees to remove dead or diseased branches, crossing branches, and/or branches that impact pedestrian or motor vehicle visibility. Proper pruning is encouraged to promote good tree form and structure, which ultimately results in a stronger, healthier, and more storm resistant mature tree.

The City plants utility compatible trees under or adjacent to power lines. High voltage power lines are 40 feet above the ground and so utility compatible trees grow no more than 25 feet tall. They also do not require trimming. Utility compatible trees species include Ivory Silk Lilac, Serviceberry, Crab Apple, Hawthorn, Flowering Cherry, Hedge Maple, Tartarian Maple, Redbud, Star Magnolia, and Kousa Dogwood.

If a City of Hamilton utility customer is experiencing a utility emergency, they should call the City’s utility emergency telephone number at 513-785-7550 or dial 911 to contact the City’s general emergency system.

The City’s Electric Distribution Division is responsible for handling various customer issues, such as non-working street lights and signals, trees in and around electric lines, damaged poles and other trouble calls. Electric Distribution personnel can be reached and dispatched at 513-785-7550.

If a customer is planning to add additional trees, shrubs, etc., or replace existing land space, they should contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) a few days in advance of digging. OUPS can be reached, toll free, at 1-800-362-2764. OUPS representatives will mark the location of any underground utilities in those areas. This is a free service. It could be very costly and extremely dangerous to come in contact with an underground utility service.

The City’s Customer Service Division is able to assist customers with most of their utility-related and billing questions. Customer Service is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Their telephone number is (513) 785-7100.

The City of Hamilton relies upon meters to measure utility usage. Residential customers as well as most commercial/industrial customers have meters installed that are read remotely through an electronic signal, utilizing Automated Meter Reading (AMR). The City reads utility meters on a monthly basis, through the AMR system.

The City’s Customer Service Division is able to assist customers with all of these utility service issues and questions. Customer Service is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be contacted at (513) 785-7100.

The City of Hamilton provides electric (generation, transmission, distribution), natural gas (distribution), water (production, distribution) and wastewater (collection, treatment) utility services to its citizens and in limited areas outside of the City. The City, through the Department of Public Works, is also responsible for stormwater management operations within the City. Additionally, the City owns an extensive fiber optic network throughout much of the City, which has primarily been utilized for City operations and some limited private and other public sector operations. The City also owns a fast-fill, compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station, located adjacent to the municipal garage, on South Erie Blvd., that is open to the public for the sale of CNG.

The City began offering utility services to its citizens over 100 years ago. The City began its electric utility in 1893, its gas distribution utility in 1890 and its water utility in 1884. The wastewater utility was the last primary utility business entered into by the City, with the first wastewater treatment plant constructed in 1959. The City’s stormwater management operations began in 2002. Construction on the City’s original fiber optic infrastructure, or backbone, was begun in 2003 and completed in 2007. Construction of the compressed natural gas fueling station was completed and opened to the public near the end of 2014.